RaceFace have been making great freeride and downhill products for some time but they've never made a chainguide... Until now.
The RaceFace guide looks very similar to an e.13 guide and works in much the same way. Like the e.13, it features a machined aluminium back plate that fits to an ISCG mount. An adaptor is also included for frames without an ISCG mount, and an outer bashguard allows chainrings from 36-40 tooth.
The bottom arm of the guide is virtually identical to an e.13 model, and uses a small jockey wheel to guide the chain between the side plates. The top guide has a low inside plate to eliminate the chances of the chain slipping between the guide and the chainring, and it sits above the chain, again, just like an e.13 model.
The RaceFace flame design adorns the top and bottom of the guide; it's part of the moulding, and annoyingly, our only beef with this product. If the guide isn't set up precisely, the chain buzzes on the flames, sounding much like the early DCDs.
In use, we've had no problems with chain derailment though. This is a sound guide and it's cheaper than most other enclosed designs, although it can become a little noisy on some terrain.
